Six Types of RAD Moves and the Rules for Each

Section 6.4 of the RAD relocation Notice classifies moves into categories. The category drives which notices apply, what assistance is owed, and whether URA displacement rights are triggered. Classify every household early, and revisit the classification whenever the construction schedule changes.

A. Moves within the same building or complex

Moving a household to another unit on site, often to free up a unit for renovation. These moves still require notice and payment of reasonable moving costs, and the replacement unit must meet the household's needs, including any accessibility features.

B. Temporary relocation of one year or less

The household moves off site temporarily and returns within 12 months. RAD requires advance notice, temporary housing that is decent, safe and sanitary, and coverage of reasonable out-of-pocket costs such as moving and increased housing costs during the temporary period.

C. Temporary relocation expected to last a year or less that runs longer

This is the category that catches projects by surprise. When a temporary move passes the one-year mark, the household may become eligible for URA displacement assistance. The resident must be offered the choice of permanent relocation assistance or continuing in temporary housing with the right to return.

D. Temporary relocation anticipated to last more than one year

Planned from the start as a long temporary move. This category triggers the written relocation plan requirement, front-end civil rights review, and the URA Notice of Relocation Eligibility.

E. Permanent moves connected with a transfer of assistance

When RAD assistance moves to a new site, households move with it. These are permanent moves and carry URA protections where applicable, along with site and neighborhood standards review of the new location.

F. Voluntary permanent relocation

A household that chooses to decline its right to return and move permanently instead. HUD has administratively applied URA-level assistance in these cases, and the choice must be fully informed and documented (see our article on alternative housing options).

Planning implications

• Build a household-by-household matrix showing move type, expected duration and the notices each needs.
• Add a schedule buffer: a move that slips from 11 to 13 months changes the household's rights and the project's costs.
• Budget for the worst realistic category, not the best case.